The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are a component of the Australian Leadership Awards, a regional program under the Australian Scholarships initiative. Australian Leadership Awards aim to develop leadership, build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific.
They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. The ALA program comprises of Scholarships and Fellowships.
ALA Scholarships are academically elite awards offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region each year to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) and a Leadership Development Program in Australia.
Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and on academic excellence.
ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or the region for two years after they have completed their studies.
In future years, ALA scholars will belong to a unique group - the Australian Scholarships Alumni Network (ASAN) - that will maintain strong and enduring links to Australia. Managed by AusAID as part of Australia`s overseas aid program, ALA Scholarships are open only to citizens of countries in the Asia-Pacific region with which Australia has a significant aid program.
Objectives of ALA Scholarships
ALA Scholarships aim to:
- develop a cadre of leaders advancing regional reform, development and governance
- increase exchange of knowledge and information within the region
- build common purpose and understanding between Australia and the region
- build capacity to address priority regional issues
- build effective networks between Australia and the region
- demonstrate the benefits of Australian education through the provision of high quality education.
Fields of study
Awards are open to all fields of study, however, study programs that relate to the priority themes of international trade, pandemics, security and climate change (including clean energy) are encouraged. Scholarships are not available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear technology and flying aircraft.
Levels of study
An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree.
Who should apply
Outstanding applicants with:
- a very high level of academic achievement at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level
- a high level of English language proficiency
- demonstrated leadership potential and good prospects to influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in their home country and in the Asia-Pacific region
- a commitment to participate ASAN on their return home.
Links to specific eligibility requirements are found below.
Applicants seeking to migrate to Australia should NOT apply.
Scholarship benefits
An ALA Scholarship has a total value of up to A$110,000 for Masters degrees and A$220,000 for Doctoral programs, not including provisions for the leadership development program.. Benefits include:
- return air travel
- visa support
- establishment allowance
- full tuition fees
- contribution to living expenses
- Introductory Academic program (IAP)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only).
Participating Higher Education Institutions
ALA Scholarships students commencing in 2008 may attend any of the participating Australian higher education institutions.
Further information
If the material found on this website does not provide the necessary help, please direct enquiries by email to: ala[a-t]ausaid.gov.au
See also ALA Scholarships fact sheet [PDF 97KB]
